Hamilton takes Rookie award

teamcar - Britain’s newest Formula One driver, Lewis Hamilton, first attended the Autosport Awards in 1995 to collect a karting trophy, and used the opportunity to talk to the McLaren Team Principal, Ron Dennis. “It’s strange to be standing here 11 years later,” said Hamilton as he collected the 'Rookie of the Year' award. “I was wondering about getting autographs from some of the drivers. I didn’t know who Ron was, my dad just told me to go up to him and introduce myself. I told him that one day I’d be in Formula One.”

The 'International Racing Driver of the Year' award went to Fernando Alonso, but the 2006 F1 season will go down in history as the final chapter in Michael Schumacher’s career. Former rival and 1996 World Champion Damon Hill, who lost out on the title in 1994 after a collision with the German, was on hand to honour the seven-times champ. “He has left an indelible mark on the sport, and on my car a few times as well!”

The biggest names in motorsport were at the Grosvenor, and Jenson Button commanded the most attention. Having accused Button of being a no hoper last year, compaire Steve Ryder was forced to eat humble pie. Literally! Having scored his first Grand Prix win in Hungary four months ago, Button went up to collect his award for 'best British competition driver' brandishing a meat pie that had been purchased in a petrol station mini-mart en route to the capital.